A number of local swimmers represented their schools at the National Aquatic Centre in Dublin last weekend at the Irish Minor School’s’ Championships.

After an early start for the morning session, Ellie Dunlop (10) representing Ballinamallard Primary School, competed in the 50 metre Breaststroke. Ellie swam very well in the heat, securing a place in the final.

The final was an exciting race with nothing between the top finishers, Ellie came fifth, only 0.9 seconds off getting to the podium. A fast swim in her second event in the 50 metre Butterfly secured a place in the final. Ellie showed great determination to place eighth overall with a PB.

Representing St. Mary’s Primary School, Maguiresbridge, Molly Rice age 11, competed for her second year at the Irish Minor Schools’ Championship.

Against a tough category of swimmers, Molly firstly competed in the 50m Breaststroke, achieving a hard earned PB and breaking 50 seconds. Up next was the 50m Butterfly, one of her favoured strokes achieving another PB. It was a long but enjoyable day for Molly.

11 year old Jamie Lannon (St. Mary’s Mullymesker) had a fantastic swim in the 50m Freestyle going from 11th in the preliminaries to eighth overall in the finals.

A boy on a mission, Jamie was determined to place. After a powerful swim in the 100m IM, Jamie was incredibly proud to stand on the podium in the NAC and receive a silver medal for his 100m Individual Medley.

The Buchanan brothers, Tom and Frank were both delighted to achieve qualifying times to the national finals of the Irish Minor Schools’ Championship.

Frank (12) swimming for St. Michaels College, Enniskillen swam the 50m Freestyle against some tough competition and was delighted with a PB and 14th place finish. He then swam the 50m Backstroke and qualified for the final.

Placing eighth overall, Frank was pleased with a second PB in this stroke and a great experience in this impressive facility.

Tom (10) swimming for St. Mary’s Mullymesker, swam his favoured Butterfly in the NAC against a very fast field of competitors. He was delighted with a PB and very proud to represent his school at this level.